KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 1,387 motorcycles were stopped for inspection during the Road Transport Department's (JPJ) Special Operation Against Extreme Illegal Racing along Jalan Sultan Ismail here early Sunday (Nov 15).
Its director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, said the operation was aimed at stepping up enforcement under Section 42A of the Road Transport Act 1987 to curb illegal racing and speed trials on public roads.
“This large-scale operation will be carried out nationwide following the enforcement of Section 42A. It will continue to curb high-risk driving activities.
“We believe this provision will serve as a strong deterrent while making it easier for enforcement officers to take immediate action against those suspected of being involved in illegal racing and speed trials,” he told a press conference after the operation on Sunday.
He said nine extreme cases were identified during the operation, with seven cases being investigated under Section 42A.
He added that the riders were also screened for other offences, including riding without a valid licence or road tax, as well as motorcycle modifications that contravened regulations.
“Motorcycles found to have more serious offences may be seized,” he said.
Among those detained during the operation was a 17-year-old sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, who was allegedly caught testing his motorcycle's speed with a friend.
However, the teenager denied taking part in any race, claiming he was merely riding home on his friend's motorcycle and had performed a wheelie for fun.
Meanwhile, another 18-year-old male teenager had travelled from Slim River, Perak, to the capital to test the speed of his motorcycle and meet his friends.
“I came to meet my friends as well, but I admit that I performed a wheelie. I did not expect there to be a major operation tonight,” he said.
Two female teenagers, aged 14 and 16, were also detained for motorcycle modifications that allegedly contravened regulations.
Aedy said his department began its enforcement drive on Oct 25 following the enforcement of Section 42A on Oct 16.
He said a total of 17 cases had been recorded under Section 42A between Oct 25 and Nov 15, comprising 14 cases in Kuala Lumpur, two in Selangor and one in Penang.
“Of the total, six cases have been brought to court. Four have been decided, with the offenders fined between RM2,300 and RM2,500, while arrest warrants have been issued in two cases after the accused failed to appear in court,” he said.
He said the operation would continue nationwide on an ongoing basis, regardless of the time, adding that JPJ would not compromise with anyone involved in illegal racing.
